How can we ensure our offerings are given with the right heart attitude? Standing in the Camp with Moses—Numbers 31:54 “So Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD.” • The commanders had already met every legal requirement; the plunder was theirs. • Yet their hearts overflowed with gratitude, so they volunteered a gift. • Moses and Eleazar didn’t pocket the treasure or parade it— they dedicated it “before the LORD.” • The gift became a “memorial,” a lasting reminder of God’s victory and Israel’s gratitude, not of the commanders’ generosity. What the Verse Teaches about Our Hearts • Offerings belong in God’s presence, not on our personal résumé. • A true gift points people to remember the LORD, not the giver. • Leaders act as stewards, ensuring what is given reaches God’s purposes untouched. • The right heart sees giving as worship—nothing less. Guardrails from the Rest of Scripture • Give willingly—“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Honor Him first—“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits” (Proverbs 3:9). • Keep the gift pure—“You bring defiled food to My altar” (Malachi 1:7-8). • Remember His ownership—“Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Value motive over amount—Jesus praised the widow’s two small coins (Mark 12:41-44). Practical Steps toward the Right Attitude 1. Prepare, don’t scramble • Decide ahead of time (1 Corinthians 16:2); spontaneity often follows feeling, not faith. 2. Pray before you give • Ask, “Is this gift about Your glory or my image?” • Invite the Spirit to expose pride, guilt-driven impulses, or showiness. 3. Give the first portion • Prioritize the Lord before lifestyle upgrades. • Firstfruits safeguard the heart from leftovers mentality. 4. Attach words of worship • Privately articulate why you’re thankful; turn the transaction into adoration. 5. Release control • Once given, don’t micromanage; trust God-ordained leadership to steward it. 6. Stay anonymous when possible • Secrecy trains the soul to seek heavenly applause (Matthew 6:3-4). Models Worth Imitating • The Israelite commanders—voluntary, grateful, God-focused. • King David—“I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). • The Macedonians—“Their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). • The widow—little in amount, rich in devotion (Mark 12:41-44). Heart Hazards to Reject • Pride: giving to impress (Acts 5:1-11). • Guilt: paying off conscience instead of resting in grace. • Greed: clinging to what is “mine” first, then tipping God. • Grudging: parting with resources while secretly resenting God’s claim. • Performance: believing the gift earns favor rather than displaying it. Living Memorials Today Every offering presented with gratitude, integrity, and worship becomes a modern “memorial before the LORD.” It signals to heaven and earth that we remember His victory, rely on His provision, and rejoice in His glory. That heart posture ensures the gift is never wasted, no matter the size, because the giver and the offering alike rest joyfully in His presence. |
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